Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton vying to sign ex-Arsenal star Falorin Balogun

Everton continue to assess opportunities across the transfer market as preparations for the new Premier League season gather pace.

The club have been linked with several additions in recent weeks as recruitment work intensifies behind the scenes.

One position attracting particular attention has been at centre-forward.

Everton have explored a number of options as they look to strengthen their attacking department, with Levante sensation Karl Etta Eyong among the names discussed.

Reports recently claimed Everton made contact regarding the highly-rated striker after his breakthrough campaign.

However, Ipswich Town are currently understood to be pushing hardest for a deal and have already opened talks.

Recruitment staff continue to monitor opportunities across Europe as they attempt to identify value in a competitive market.

Another player currently on Everton’s radar is Torino winger Alieu Njie.

Reports from Italy in the last week suggested Everton informed Torino they were willing to pay up to £9 million for the Sweden international.

The Italian club are believed to value the player closer to £13 million, and it remains to be seen whether negotiations will reopen or if the two sides will attempt to bridge that gap.

However, Tuttosport‘s report also stated that Everton are currently the only club prepared to make a concrete move for Njie.

That situation has placed the Merseyside club in a strong position if discussions continue to progress.

Everton’s recruitment strategy this summer has focused on identifying players with room for development while also adding quality capable of improving the first-team squad immediately.

Financial discipline remains an important part of Everton’s approach amid PSR, but despite that, the club are still expected to back their manager in key areas of the squad.

As a result, Everton have continued looking at forwards capable of strengthening their options in the final third.

Against that backdrop, another striker has now emerged as a potential target.

Everton, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace vying for Folarin Balogun

According to CaughtOffside, Everton are among the clubs monitoring Monaco forward Folarin Balogun.

The report states that the former Arsenal striker is interested in returning to the Premier League this summer.

Balogun left Arsenal in 2023 before joining Monaco in a deal worth around £34 million. Since moving to France, he has gained valuable experience in Ligue 1 and European competition.

The USA international, who has also impressed at the World Cup this summer, remains highly regarded and bagged 19 goals in all competitions last season.

Now a return to England is reportedly being considered.

Interested clubs have reportedly been informed that a deal could be possible for around £43 million, and Everton are definitely not alone in tracking the situation.

Crystal Palace are also credited with interest, while Nottingham Forest have likewise been looking at the striker alongside other Premier League rivals.

A £43 million transfer fee would represent a major investment on the Toffees’ part.

Any move would likely depend on wider developments within the club’s summer plans.

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Nevertheless, Balogun is now among the names being discussed as Everton continue examining striker targets.